my top five most influential drum and bass tunes
Drum and bass has been a part of my life ever since high school, almost 20 years. I can still remember the first tunes I heard, first raves I went to, and the first DJ’s that turned me on to learning how to mix. In no way are these the only tunes that have influenced me, but these are the ones im writing about now 😉 This list is for the old heads and new. I hope you enjoy!
5) Aphrodite – Dub Moods
The first time I heard this I instantly gravitated to it because of the brilliant use of the quote from ‘The Usual Suspects’. Gavin King (a.k.a. Dj Aphrodite) uses the sample with great intention in order to build suspense and mystery. Even though the drop and bassline are quite bouncy, the whole tune has this air of uncertainty to it. This was also the first drum and bass record I purchased. I still have it in my collection to this day.
4) Lisa May – Wishing on a Star
I’d never heard such a tune before. The vocals worked so well with the bassline and break. I heard this at a rave in Athens, Ga and immediately purchased it. This is a super chill old-school dnb classic for me. After hearing this I just wanted more liquid-chill vibey tunes.
3) Roni Size – Brown Paper Bag
I remember hearing this song while interning for, now defunct, Cellar Door Promotions in Atlanta. This tune takes us to the jazzy side of dnb from the start with the truly unique use of stand-up bass to set the mood. Once we have mood, we get thrown a nice jazz-steppy-rolling beat that keeps you bobbing your head. Very creative and original for the time. Definitely a classic to this day.
2) Goldie – Inner City Life
Today Goldie is undoubtedly a legend in the drum and bass scene. ‘Inner City Life’ from his 1995 release ‘Timeless’ shows the beauty and subtleness of drum and bass. Goldie uses a funky break (which starts at 1:13!! talk about a long intro) to keep beat along side vocals from Diane Charmalaine to bring us to his vision of inner city life.
1) LTJ Bukem – Demon’s Theme
This song was the beginning of it all. I remember being introduced to LTJ Bukem by my brother. From the first break to the bass, I was in love. This song takes you on such a ride as it progresses. CHEWN!
